Prospective Evangel Parents

Students value the input and guidance from their parents throughout the college-admissions process.

We understand that the college search and transition process is as monumental for parents as it is for students. We also know that as parents, you have unique questions and concerns. The Evangel community is here to walk you and your student through the process.

The best way to learn about Evangel is to schedule an EU Visit and experience it for yourself, but we know that visits aren’t always practical or possible. So we’ve compiled some of the most common parent questions that we receive on visit days. Please let us know if you have a question that is not answered below.

What measures does Evangel take to ensure the safety of students?

The No. 1 goal for the Department of Public Safety is to ensure the safety of students, staff, faculty and those who visit our campus. We have 18 employees in our department, and three uniformed officers are on duty 24 hours a day. Our campus is small and well-lit with buildings located closely together, which allows for a quick response time to any situation that may arise. All of our buildings are controlled by electronic lockdown, and our residence halls are locked 24-7 (only authorized personnel and the students who live in them have access via proximity access card). We also have 95 security cameras across campus, which are monitored by staff around the clock. We pride ourselves on maintaining a safe, low-crime campus, and our highest priority is the security of your student.

Can freshmen have cars on campus?

Yes, any student may have a car on campus. However, it’s also helpful for parents to know that it isn’t necessary. Everything on campus is within walking distance, and our students often get together and share rides to church and other off-campus destinations. The city bus also stops by campus regularly. So students will do just fine if they do not have a car.

What if my student hasn’t decided on a major?

Many college freshmen start classes without a final decision on a major, and many students will change their major at some point in their college career. College is a natural time of growth and exploration. Assure your student that it is OK to enter college without a declared major. Evangel has classes and programs designed to help students discover their strengths and calling, and faculty will work with your student to help them select a major.

What if my student is struggling academically?

The Academic Support Center (ASC) offers a wide range of services to students, including but not limited to, tutors, study skills resources, time management and disability services. Students can contact the ASC at any time for help. In addition, if you feel your student needs specific help, you can contact Director of Retention Becky Spain for more help.

Will I receive a copy of my student’s grades?

While students are encouraged to share their grades with their parents, Evangel is prohibited by federal law from releasing grades to anyone other than students. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs students’ rights regarding educational records. Learn more about FERPA.

Is medical care available on campus? What should students do when they need to see a doctor?

Evangel’s Health Services in the Wellness Center functions as an acute care, walk-in facility. A licensed Family Nurse Practitioner provides primary healthcare services (diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions) at no cost to students. Nominal fees are charged for immunizations, laboratory tests and some procedures. When necessary, the nurse practitioner will make referrals to a local physician.

Can my student receive mental health services on campus?

Counseling Services is a part of the Wellness Center at Evangel. Under the direction of a Christian licensed professional counselor, the counseling staff provides Christ-centered counseling on a short-term basis. Counseling assists students in developing behavioral, academic, physical and vocational maturity. The philosophy of Evangel University Counseling Services focuses on a Christian values developmental model. This is a professional service that guards confidentiality carefully.

How does Evangel approach the spiritual development of students?

We understand that your student’s spiritual development is a primary concern for you – and we share that concern. Our job at Evangel is to take over where you as parents left off at home and help our students mature in the faith that their parents and churches have instilled in them.

The integration of faith, life and learning is paramount to all we do at Evangel. We seek to instill spiritual growth on a personal, corporate and academic level. Students will connect with fellow Christian students in the residence halls. Each floor has a devotions leader who organizes floor devotions and serves as a student chaplain for the floor. There are also corporate worship opportunities like our Chapel services that are held three times weekly, Spiritual Emphasis Week each semester, and 24-Hours of Prayer and Worship events that bring our student body together for worship and spiritual growth. Finally, in our classrooms students will connect with Spirit-filled faculty who weave faith into all that they teach. This holistic approach to spiritual development helps develop the student in their faith at every level.

What kinds of outreach opportunities does Evangel offer?

We believe that every student is called to a life of ministry — to serve the Body of Christ regardless of occupational roles. CROSSwalk Student Ministries is an on-campus organization for student outreach and ministry. As students reach out through service to the campus, the community, the local churches and beyond, they develop skills in leadership and service.

In conjunction with the Global Connections experience in the Frameworks curriculum, every student will participate in at least one crosscultural mission/service trip, stateside or abroad, before graduating. Through these opportunities, students don’t have to wait until they graduate to start impacting the world and making an eternal difference for Christ.

Where do students attend church?

Sunday services are not held on campus because we encourage students to get involved and serve in a local church. The Springfield area has many wonderful churches from which to choose, and students often carpool to services. The Spiritual Life office can assist in recommending a local church if your student is not sure where to go.

What if my student has a roommate problem?

There are several steps in place at Evangel to proactively work toward solving roommate problems. First, students are encouraged to take any problems they may have to their residence assistant (RA). The RA is trained to coach students on how to talk to their roommates and set up new boundaries. If conflict persists after coaching from the RA, the RA and the student(s) go to the residence director (RD) for advice and new strategies. As a last resort, if all strategies and new boundaries have been learned and applied to no avail, students may be moved to a different room to eliminate the problem.

Can my student stay in the residence halls during vacations?

Students are allowed to stay in the residence halls during all breaks that fall within the academic semester. However, meals during breaks do not run on regular hours — and on long breaks such as Spring Break, meals may not be served at all. Students will be notified of the changes in schedules with enough time to plan accordingly.

Most students are required to leave the residence halls over Christmas break, but they are allowed to leave their items in their rooms if they are returning the following semester. There are a few exceptions for some students who live internationally. If your student has nowhere to go over Christmas, they may contact their RD for more information.

Where can my student store belongings over the summer?

All students must move entirely out of their rooms after the spring semester; those staying for summer classes must move into the residence hall being used for summer students. All belongings must be moved and stored off campus. Many students pool resources to rent space in local storage units over the summer or make arrangements with friends or family who live locally to store belongings.

Parent Perspective: What You Need to Know

Researching colleges and helping students make the right choice can be a daunting task for parents, especially those going through it for the first time. Who better to learn from than those who have recently been where you are now? We asked some current parents and students to share their stories, tips and advice:

About Evangel

Evangel is an accredited, liberal arts university with more than 100 academic programs on the cutting edge of today's professional fields. Our commitment to the integration of faith, learning and life attracts students from a wide variety of Christian denominational backgrounds who have a strong commitment to academics with a desire to combine their Christian faith with every aspect of their lives.